As someone who has put everything I've earned into property I normally burn with anger when I hear the word squatters. But...
What this man is doing is the lesser of two evils...
Whilst it is usually wrong to occupy a property without the owners permission in this case it is more wrong for it to fall into a complete state of disrepair.
Empty, deteriorating properties are a blight on the landscape and, far more important, to the people nearby. Rats, druggies,vagrants etc . They're dangerous to the kids. Loads of problems.
The govnt. NAMA, local councils etc have not properly addressed this problem.
I don't know the reaction of the legal neighbours. Are they annoyed at this guy getting a freebie (although he's spent time,effort and money on it)?
Or are they pleased that at least this is one house on their estate that won't be turned into a stripped junk-heap ? And, to be fair, he's offering to pay rent.